The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s new superyacht has set sail, marking the official launch of the luxury hotel group’s second vessel. 

Ilma embarked on its maiden seven-night voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome comes almost two years after the debut of its first ship, Evrima. 

Itineraries will include visits to both well-known and more secluded ports, with stops in Santorini, Valletta and Porto Cervo during its inaugural Mediterranean season. 

It will then sail to the Caribbean, where it will dock at islands including Virgin Gorda, St Barths and  St John. In 2025, Ilma will be the first of the two ships to sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, offering immersive experiences in destinations such as Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavik.

Each of the yacht’s 224 spacious suites include private terraces and with a capacity of 448 guests, Ilma offers one of the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea.

The overall design of the ship has been inspired by the aesthetics of private yachts, with neutral tones and natural elements creating an elegant finish. Sleek interiors have been curated by London-based AD Associates and lighting designer DPA, while its exterior was envisioned by Helsinki-based studio Aivan.

There are a number of restaurants, including Seta su Ima, an Italian fine dining establishment headed by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabbocchi, as well as Memori, which serves authentic Japanese cuisine in a contemporary setting.

Beach House offers Latin-inspired dishes and views of the yacht’s infinity pool, while Tides offers a menu anchored by the local cuisine of the destinations Ilma visits, and Mistral offers Mediterranean fare by the main pool. 

A signature feature across The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet is the expansive Marina and Marina Terrace and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly to the sea when anchored. Deck 10 includes an open-air space for live entertainment, sunbathing, the main pool, and an outdoor LED screen.

Additional onboard experiences include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, which offers therapies from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. The spa has 11 rooms, five of which have outdoor treatment options, and three fitness spaces, including an indoor cycle studio.

Jenni Benzaquen, senior vice president of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, said: “Ilma brings The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned luxury accommodations and personalised service to sea, further redefining the industry’s benchmarks.”